Clasp.



C. E. WHITING.

CLASP.

APPLICATION FILED ocr. 6, 1915.

Patented Apr. 25, 1916.

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. housing frames.

CHARLES E. WHITING, OF NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR T0 L. E.

FREEMAN COMPANY, OF NORTH ATTLEBORO,

MASSACHUSETTS, A FIRM.

CLASP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 25, I916.

Application filed October 6. 1915. Serial No. 54,434.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES E. WRITING, a citizen of the United States, residing at North Attleboro, in the county of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Clasps, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to end claspsfor bracelet, Chatelaine, and other or similar chains. One type of such a chain is that embodied in what are known as watch bracelets.

The essential objects of my invention are to insure a smooth and substantially unbroken top surface upon the link units inclosing the clasps; to insure that theclasps be of a character adapted to form convertible ends upon the bracelet chain adapted to engage a watch or other unit; to prevent danger of accidental disengagement of the fastener; and to attain these ends in an article possessing a maximum of simplicity and one which may be manufactured at small expense.

To the above ends essentially my inven tion consists in such parts and combinations of parts as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, Figure 1 is a front elevation of a watch bracelet embodying my invention, Figs. 2 and 3, enlarged plan and side elevations respectively of the bracelet section adjacent the watch, Figs. 4 and 5, sections on lines l-i and 5-5 of Figs. 2 and 3, Figs. 6 and 7, a longitudinal section and a side elevation respectively of the clasp in open position, Figs. 8 and 9, detail views of the clasp member detached from the housing link, and Fig. 10 a section on line 10-10 of Fig. 6. Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross section on the line 11-11 of Fig. 2.

Like characters of reference indicate like parts throughout the views.

My invention in the present instance is shown embodied in a watch bracelet comprising a watch A and a plurality of link units. These units may be of any construc tion characteristic of such elements in this art. In this case they comprise intermediate links C and outer links B alternating with links 0 and embracing the latter to form The end link units B comprise in detail, hollow, oblong, parallel plates 1) including marginal parallel flanges I) connected at one end by an integral strip (Z, and having at their other end overlapplng fingers forming a post (5 corresponding with post d.

Longitudinally disposed in the described outer link is a slidable member C. In detail the last mentioned member comprises a transversely curved oblong body portion 0 provided at one end with a hook 0 whose beak c is spaced from an intermediate shoulder 0 constituting the end of the body portion and disposed at right angles to the shank 0 of the hook portion. Adjacent the last mentioned shoulder the body is provided with a transverse slit or slot (Z to admit. therethrough the bent portion a of a substantially V-shaped springmember having an arm e soldered or otherwise fixed to the one side face of the body, and a resilient arm 6 located upon the opposite side of the body and inclined relatively to the face thereof. Upon the end of the latter arm is a rounded lateral projection 7*. The projection is adapted to register in a slot'g in one of the side plates 6 of the outer link B. This projection is of a suitable size to be a sliding fit between the flanges b of the plates 1), thus serving to both guide and retain the plates C in position.

When it is desired to release the watch the projection f is by the thumb depressed. and a longitudinal pull upon the housing B forces the projection f, as shown in Fig. 6 out of engagement with the outer link and permits sufficient space between the outer link and the end of the hook beak to allow the watch to be disengaged. Excessive distension of the member 0 is prevented by the shoulder 0 being brought against the post d.

The plate or member C is adapted to be cut from a flat metal blank, as is also the member which constitutes the spring arm, making the expense of construction small.

Fig. 11 shows an enlarged view of the outer link in cross section illustrating the lower support for the member C.

The exposure of the projection is upon the side of the link rather than on its top, thus making it less conspicuous, and its rounded margin also prevents any pronounced break in the exterior contour of the bracelet.

What I claim is 1. A securing device for an expansible bracelet at each end thereof, Comprising an eXpansible link structure consisting of two interlocked members slidable with relation to each other, one member composed of hollow side plates and end posts, one of said plates being provided with an opening, and another member comprising a flat body slidably mounted between the posts and provided with an end shoulder adapted to abut against one post, a hook upon the body extending from the shoulder, a resilient arm extending from and substantially parallel to one side face ofthe body, and a rounded elevation upon the end of the arm adapted to'register in the opening.

2. A securing device for an expansible bracelet at each end thereof, comprising an expansible link structure consisting of two interlocked members slidable with re lation to each other, one member composed of hollow side plates and end posts, one of said plates being provided with an opening, and another member comprising a transversely curved oblong plate provided with a square end shoulder, and with a transverse slit, an elongated hook upon one end of the shoulder spaced from the shoulder Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the to each other, one member composed of side plates provided with parallel guide flanges, one of said plates being provided with an opening, posts connecting the ends of the plates, and another member comprising a body slidably mounted between the flanges and between the posts and provided with a shoulder adapted to abut against one post, a hook on the body extending from the shoulder, a resilient arm on the body ofiset therefrom and extending substantially parallel therewith and movable independently thereof, and a rounded elevation on the arm slidable in contact with the guide flanges and adapted to register in the opening.

In testimony whereof I have afiixed my signature.

CHARLES E. WI-IIIIINn "Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. 0. 

